Fact-Check: Stealth Capability of the Most Advanced Fighter Jets of USA

Jenny Lee October 22, 2022 | 16:07

The US F-22 and F-35 fighter jets are often known for their ability to "stealth" before radar, but this is not really accurate, because low-frequency radars can still detect them.

Facts About the Most Advanced Stealth Fighter Jets of USA

F-35A Lightning II

Stealth Capabilities of the F-35 and F-22

In fact, all stealth fighters in the world such as China's J-20 or Russia's Su-57 are quite easy to detect on radar systems that have existed for decades.

Essentially, the stealth capabilities of the F-35 and F-22 are designed to delay or prevent signatures from being recognizable by high-frequency radars, or radars capable of "locking on target" for rocket.

However, the physical design of the fighter aircraft allows low-frequency radars, which are not capable of guidance, to detect stealth fighters.

For this reason, most countries with early warning systems are able to detect stealth aircraft entering their airspace, but accurately "aiming" them is not a simple matter.

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Fact-Check: Stealth Ability of Fighter Jets

For U.S. Navy pilots, there is a famous saying that articulates the essence of stealth: "Does this mission really require a magic cloak, or would it be better if we make the opponent know about the danger but can't do anything?".

Stealth is not a single function integrated on new generation fighters, it is a homogenous combination of many technologies, materials, production methods to create the ability to hide, or at least especially delay detection time. Minimizing detection is a "struggle" between cost and technology limitations, meaning that no stealth aircraft is truly "invisible".

Meanwhile, radar systems work by emitting bands of electromagnetic waves, then detecting abnormalities when these waves are reflected when interacting with foreign objects, in this case a fighter aircraft. . Stealth fighters are designed to deflect these electromagnetic waves, preventing them from returning to broadcast radar.

But because electromagnetic waves can emit at many different wavelengths and frequencies, interacting with objects they encounter in different ways, stealth planes are forced to choose which radar they want to avoid.

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"Disappear" from Specific Radars

Warning systems are generally divided into several categories, based on the frequency of the electromagnetic waves they emit, the most common bands being L, C, S, X and K. Each band uses a wavelength and With different frequencies, only higher frequency systems (smaller wavelengths) can provide accurate images for cruise missiles to target.

In other words, low-frequency radars can easily detect stealth fighters, but due to their larger wavelengths, they cannot provide accurate data to "lock" on the target. All they can do is provide a relative coordinate and say "foreign object there".

Currently, fighter jets like the F-35 are developed to deal with the high-frequency radars C, X and K. This means that the S-frequency radar systems (which make up the majority of the stations). air traffic control) can detect them. Although it is not possible to provide an exact image of the stealth fighter, the information received can still help the air force deploy counter-attack fighters. This inadvertently creates "threats" with stealth aircraft, which are designed to surprise and retreat, avoiding any unnecessary combat.

Stealth is an Advantage, Not A Magical Ability

It is the least noticeable factor when it comes to the "stealth" of a fighter, but planning plays a key role in deciding the success or failure of a stealth fighter mission. .

So, in essence, all planes will be detected.

An effective plan will provide the latest intelligence on the combat space, allow the calculation of the time to complete the mission, determine the optimal flight path to the target based on the superiority of the aircraft. Careful planning can help pilots increase the success and safety rate of each mission.

"No stealth aircraft is allowed to take off without a clear plan. We even had to do a lot of simulated attacks to find the optimal solution, but we couldn't calculate it. to all the variables that arise," said Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Conant, commander of the 393rd bomber squadron.

Even if you fly an F-35, appearing in enemy airspace without a strategy is suicidal. Invisibility is an undeniable advantage, but it is not a "miracle" solution to all problems that can arise in the sky.

Stealth Ability of the "Ghost of Death" B-2 Spirit

The B-2 can travel at subsonic speeds, providing the inherent versatility of manned bombers. The second-generation stealth technology makes it possible for this aircraft to minimize its exposure to radar, allowing it to penetrate the enemy's sophisticated defenses and attack well-protected targets. the more.

The blend of stealth and aerodynamics, as well as a large payload capacity, is said to have given the B-2 major advantages over previous bombers. The stealth capability of this aircraft is achieved by a combination of reducing acoustic, infrared, electromagnetic, optical and radar signals, making it very difficult for the enemy to detect, track and destroy. Many stealth features are still classified as top secret; composite materials, and special coatings and wing design also contribute to its stealth.

One of the downsides of the B-2 is that its extremely sensitive shell makes it inoperable in all types of weather - very fragile, especially from rain, and can also be damaged by heat and humidity. warm. It was because of the rain that a B-2 was soaked by water through the shell and wet the electronic components inside, causing the aircraft to malfunction and crash. To ensure stealth, B-2 is required to operate alone, not receive any escort. So in the event of being detected by an enemy fighter, the B-2 will definitely be shot down because of its inability to defend itself.

Fact-Check: Steath Ability of the Most Advanced Fighter Jets of USA

B-2 Aircraft and F-15C

The rear frame between the B-2's engines cracked due to fatigue. Despite being replaced, it still fatigued faster than expected, making it difficult to maintain the aircraft. The aircraft's indirect magnetic control actuator had a serious problem. Inefficient cooling makes the system one of the most troublesome components and the aircraft can't carry out its mission. Not only is it very difficult to repair if damaged, the B-2 needs to be overhauled every 7 years at an average cost of about $60 million/time, and each overhaul takes years.

The plane's stealth paint is easily damaged, and a single scratch will show up on radar like a giant can in flight, so it needs regular care. For every hour of flight, the B-2 needs 50-60 hours to repaint the shell. Because it requires very thorough care, it is called the "fluffy queen in the maintenance workshop".

Due to the high operating costs, the aircraft is also ineffective in participating in air strikes against guerrilla opponents such as in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's why it's also known as "Golden Useless."

Recently, on the internet, there are news and photos of B-2 stealth bombers being "captured" by Google Earth. At that time, the US stealth aircraft was flying over Davis Township (Missouri state), where the US Whiteman Air Force Base is located.

The image was taken by Maxar Technologies, a company specializing in satellite images. The blur effect on the B-2's fuselage was not due to the aircraft's speed, and was the color chosen at the time of satellite photography. After being posted, the photo quickly attracted the attention of the online community with hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of comments.

Another B-2 was also discovered by Google Earth in September, at Whiteman Air Force Base after landing off the runway, lying on its side on the grass. The US military later confirmed the plane had a problem during a training flight and had to make an emergency landing at Whiteman. Through the incident, military experts, analysts and netizens are questioning the ability and stealth effectiveness of the "ghost of death" B-2 Spirit.

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